PCC, DHSUD partner to promote fair competition in housing sector

The Philippine Competition Commission and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development are working together to promote competition in the housing sector. 

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) have signed an agreement to prevent anti-competitive practices in the housing sector as part of a broader strategy to protect local home buyers.

PCC Chairperson Michael Aguinaldo and Housing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar signed a memorandum of agreement last March 14 at the DHSUD office in Quezon City.

“It is our hope that this joint objective will help steer us towards a future where housing becomes more attainable and affordable, where no single firm dominates the housing market, and where every Filipino can reasonably aspire towards a home,” Aguinaldo said in a statement.

READ: PBBM cites DHSUD as game-changer in PH home ownership

Under the agreement, the PCC and DHSUD will work together to strengthen competition in the housing sector by monitoring for anti-competitive practices, coordinating on policy formulation, and supporting investigations and enforcement of competition laws.

The agreement also establishes a framework for both agencies to notify each other of jurisdictional concerns and collaborate on regulatory matters.

Additionally, the two agencies will share relevant data and documents related to mergers, acquisitions, and enforcement cases to enhance oversight.

Both will also conduct joint capacity-building activities and hold regular consultative meetings to address common issues and deepen their understanding of competition law and policy.

The PCC said that the partnership reinforces their commitment to curb anti-competitive practices in the housing sector.

For instance, it had fined a property developer in the past for abusing market dominance through an exclusive internet service provider (ISP) arrangement.

The commission has also issued enforcement advisory letters in the past to multiple developers facing complaints over similar exclusive ISP agreements.

These advisories provide developers a chance to correct their practices and comply with competition laws, helping them avoid prolonged legal proceedings.

These advisories give developers an opportunity to correct their practices, comply with competition laws, and avoid prolonged legal proceedings.